Directory_and_Chronicle_1935 — Page 1685

ILOILO

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Later on, when the Malays settled in the place, they changed its name to Ilong-Ilong. for the simple reason that the Malays can pronounce the letter "1" better than the letter "r." And still later, when the Spaniards came to the place,, they further changed the name to Ilo-Ilo to suit the convenience of the Spanish tongue. The Americans adopted the name Iloilo.

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The Spaniards began to enter Iloilo as early as the time of Legaspi. Finding themselves harassed by the natives of Cebu, they sailed westward to Panay and estab- lished settlement in the town now called Oton. The Spanish power really asserted itself when Governor Ronquillo in 1580-1583, founded the villa de Arevalo. The town of Iloilo became the capital of the province in 1688. It was opened to the commerce of the world in 1855.

With the revolution of 1898 and the coming of the Americans, Spanish power immediately melted away. On Dec. 23, 1898, the Spanish Governor resident of Iloilo, resigned, giving over the care of the provincial capital to the Mayor Alcalde of the city. The Spanish forces subsequently evacuated Iloilo on Dec, 25.

On Dec. 28, 1898, the U. S. forces, composed of the s.s. Baltimore and three trane sports with 3,800 troops under the command of Brigadier General Miller, arrived if- Iloilo and demanded its surrender. The revolutionary forces, awaiting general orders from Aguinaldo, declined. Thereupon, Gen. Miller advised the foreign consulates on the city that hostilities would commence at 5.00 p.m. on Feb. 12th.

The revolutionary forces having no means to hold their positions, set fire to the city and retired to the mountainous interior of Panay. The city was thereupon oc cupied by the Americans. After some guerilla warfare, the revolutionary forces sur- rendered. On April 11, 1901, civil government was established in the Province of Iloilo.

According to the present ranking of Philippine Provinces, Iloilo is classified as a first class province. The provincial capital, Iloilo although a first class municipality, is not a chartered city of the Philippine Islands, but by tradition and usage, it is referred to as the City of Iloilo.

LOCATION AND IMPORTANCE

The City of Iloilo, 340 miles from Manila, 175 miles from Cebu, and 234 miles from Zamboanga, is situated on the southeast of the Island of Panay, just at the mouth of Iloilo River. It is the capital of the Province of Iloilo, and being safely protected from the adjoining seas by the mountainous island of Guimaras, it naturally become the leading Visayan port of the Philippines.

SIZE

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The City, consisting of Iloilo proper and its suburbs, Molo and Mandurriao, is estimated to cover 14.25 square kilometers. It is a conglomerate of cement, wooden, and nipa houses, with the first two kinds greatly predominating. Some of its build- ings, specially those of its suburb molo, are notedly old in their style of construction. The principal streets are of either asphalt or cement; the others are made of evenly leveled stones.

CLIMATE AND RAINFALL

The climate of the city is in general mild and agreeable; at times it may be better than that of Manila. The hottest months are March and April, the coolest December and January. During the months of June, July and August, the southwest winds blow, bringing the heaviest rains of the year. February is the driest month.

POPULATION AND RELIGION

The census of 1918 gave the population of Iloilo within city limits as 24,898 males and 24,216 females. But due to the improved conditions of the inhabitants and the rapid immigration into the city, the population of 1930 was estimated to be around 75,000. Among the foreign population are Spaniards, Chinese, Japanese, mericans, English, Swiss, Hindus, and other nationalities. The natives are predominatingly Catholics. There are a good number of Aglipayans and Protestants.